Head Start children receive the following screenings and assessments during their experience at Head Start. Screenings and assessments are performed by licensed and/or certified professionals either directly or through community partnerships.

 

·  Growth assessments; every six months, including BMI percentile to determine overweight, underweight or any other growth concern.

·  Hearing screenings; utilizing the Ear scan, a digital hearing screening machine that measures pure tone. The Welch Allen Audio path Finder is used for infants and toddlers and children with disabilities.

·  Vision screenings; utilizing the LEA Random Dot E, Photo screener, and acuity test.

·  Hemoglobin test; performed for children considered to be at risk for nutrition related problems. (Special parent permission must be granted)

·  Lead test; performed for children that did not receive a lead test at 12 and 24 months of age, tests are provided in collaboration with the Trumbull County Health Department. (Special parent permission must be granted)

·  Devereux Early Childhood Assessment; twice each program year to determine a child’s social / emotional development and behavior strengths and needs.

·  Dental prevention services including Fluoride, Sealants, tooth brushing instruction, and fillings, performed by Humility of Mary Health Partners; “Smile Station”, a mobile dental unit, or Small Smiles child dentistry. (Special parent permission must be granted)

·  Referrals for further diagnostic testing are provided to parents as soon as a need is evident.

·  Further testing and treatment may be provided to children, on site, by: Trumbull County Educational Service Center (IDEA Services), Valley Counseling or Homes For Kids (Family and Child Counseling), or other vision, dental, or health professional.

 

Parents are encouraged to be involved with every step of their child’s health-care process which begins with establishing a family medical and dental home, and will continue long after the child leaves Head Start.

Children receive education on basic concepts of good health such as hand washing, eating healthy, physical exercise and tooth brushing. Parents receive education during monthly parent meetings and at monthly Parent Power Workshops held at various locations. The TCAP Family Fun Night, an annual event, provides families with an opportunity to receive education, read agency literature, receive free promotional incentives, and explore various resources within the community.

The TCAP Health Services Advisory Committee assists with program planning and evaluation. The committee is comprised of staff and parents, community health, disabilities, and mental health professionals.

 

Please contact ckotapish@tcaphelps.org to become a member of the TCAP Health Services Advisory Committee, or to have your questions answered.